Design, Fabrication and Performance Evaluation of a Test Rig of Centrifugal Pumps in Series and Parallel Combination

Centrifugal pumps find vast applications in modern machineries and often works either in series or parallel. In this experimental work, an attempt has been made to design and fabricate an experimental set-up that comprises of two centrifugal pumps arranged in such a manner that the experimental set-up works either individually or in series and in parallel combinations. The maximum value of efficiency estimated is 62.45% for C1 and 65.30% for C2, 55.10% and 58.15%, when pumps operate individually, in series and in parallel combination, respectively. The designed and fabricated test rig has efficiently served the purpose of providing a clear idea about the effectiveness of experimental set-up in transmitting fluid to distant work stations. This study indicated the methodology could be used to transfer gases or liquid to long distances by using more number of pumps in series and parallel combinations. Keywords— Centrifugal Pump; Efficiency; Series Combination; Parallel Combination; Best Efficiency Point (BEP).